Ah, March. The month that brings us end of season winter storms, early heat waves, spring, and daylight savings time. March is also Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness month and Women’s History month. This month we will feature a speaker from the Brain Injury Association of Maryland on our Freedom Train Program. Read on for more information and resources and to register for the Freedom Train.
Just a few short days into Women’s History month saw the passing of Judy Heumann. The Freedom Center deeply mourns the passing of this true trailblazer for disability rights and justice. Judy was often referred to as the mother of the disability rights movement. Here at home, during the early days of the pandemic, The Freedom Center partnered with other Maryland CILs to host Judy in an online forum, Zoomin’ with Judy Heumann, to discuss how the pandemic would impact the disability community. If you have not read her book, Being Heumann, or seen the documentary, "Crip Camp", I highly recommend them both. For more information on the life and contributions of Judy Heumann, click on the links below.
- Dave
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Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness month. It is no surprise there is much to learn about brain injuries. One great resource to learn is at brainline.org, who writes, “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. TBI’s contribute to about 30% of all injury deaths. Every day, 153 people in the United States die from injuries that include TBI.”
I am privileged to share I am a survivor of a TBI as the result of a car accident in 2001. Slowly waking again months later to a new life and world I did not understand was indeed difficult. Many things had to be relearned and explored, again and again. I also have had the privilege of a supportive family and community. Everyone needs support. TBI’s of course require support of different complexities as the miraculous wonders of the brain are compromised. One resource for support in the surrounding community is Brain Injury Association of Maryland (BIAM). The BIAM website calendar provides more information to monthly support groups for those with TBI’s and those who provide support. Finding life again after a TBI is possible.
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Coming Up on Freedom Train
Monday, March 20 at 2:00 pm
SPEAKER: Brain Injury Association of Maryland
What is the life expectancy of someone with TBI?
Even after surviving a moderate or severe TBI and receiving inpatient rehabilitation services, a person's life expectancy is 9 years shorter. TBI increases the risk of dying from several causes. Compared to people without TBI, people with TBI are more likely to die from: 57% are moderately or severely disabled. Moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury is a lifelong condition.
This month on the Freedom Train we will be speaking with someone from the Brain Injury Association of Maryland.
Click here to join Freedom Train LIVE on March 20th at 2:00 pm..
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Program Spotlight: Independent Living Assistive Technology
The Independent Living Assistive Technology (ILAT) program, funded through a grant from the Maryland Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services, helps to maximize the ability of people with disabilities to live independently through assistance in purchasing various types of assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications. The ILAT program can help to pay for such things as aids for daily living, environmental control units, communication devices, durable medical equipment and other assistive technology. The ILAT program can assist with the purchase or repair of such assistive technology within the limits of the program guidelines. The ILAT program can also help to fund certain home and vehicle modifications such as grab bars, stair or vehicle lifts and ramps.
For more information please reach out to us by email at advocate@thefreedomcenter-md.org, by phone at 301-846-7811, or in person at our office.
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Slam the Scam!
Yesterday was national Slam the Scam day. Recognizing the basic signs of a scam is helpful in stopping fraudulent activity. Remember:
- Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
- Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.
Social Security will never:
- Threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment.
- Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account.
- Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
- Send text, email, or social media messages that contain personal information.
If you believe you've been the target or victim of a scam, be sure to report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General.
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Spring Fling & Egg Roll
Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums
Frederick County Parks and Recreation is hosting a day of family fun as to celebrate all things spring and agriculture with the Fredrick County Farm Museum. Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy games, visit the animals, and so much more. Remember to join in the traditional egg roll.
$5.00 per person
Advanced registration is required. All attendees ages 2 and over must register for the event.
Register for the Spring Fling & Egg Roll
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Sensory Friendly Prom!
Friday, April 28, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Scott Key Community Center
Get ready to strike a pose while you make your red-carpet debut at Frederick County Parks and Rec's first ever Sensory Friendly Prom! Put on your suit or your favorite dress, do your makeup and your hair, and get ready to have your own Hollywood-style entrance. Get the opportunity to experience Prom, dance the night away with our DJ, enjoy light refreshments, and snap a picture at our photo booth. All while in a sensory friendly environment with fewer people and quieter music.
$35 per person, caregivers are welcome with free entry.
This event is geared towards individuals with disabilities.
Advanced registration is required. Limited space is available, so we recommend that you sign up early.
Register for the Sensory Friendly Prom
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The Freedom Center is a nonprofit organization committed to providing a wide array of services to assist individuals with disabilities to live independently. Our mission is to offer services and supports to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed, independent, and productive lives in a barrier-free community.
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